You can do many things to help the environment. The world is not getting any younger and cleaner, and natural resources might not be available forever. Everyone has to do their part to help maintain the only Earth that we have.
Mother Nature is suffering more than ever. This is evident from the frequent and bigger wildfires, flash floods, deforestation, and transmission of infectious diseases. People need to change in the way they live and adopt a more mindful and sustainable lifestyle.
You can adapt a green and eco-friendly lifestyle for your home. From installing residential solar panels to consciously reducing your wastes, here are the things that you can do:
Turn off the lights and appliances when not in use.
One of the most straightforward and most practical ways to make your home eco-friendly is to turn off devices when not in use. Your energy bill will also thank you for it. If you are forgetful, you can consider installing sensors or buy smart appliances that automatically turn off when not in use. It is also helpful to unplug your computers, TVs, appliances, and other devices. They also consume energy even when in standby mode.
Take advantage of natural lighting.
Open up those windows and take advantage of the natural light provided by the sun. Sunlight has many health benefits. It can significantly improve your mood, can help reduce the risks of depression, increases productivity, and helps you have better sleep.
Taking advantage of natural light can help you save on your energy bills through a reduced need for lighting during the day. You can also save on your heating needs. Push back the draperies, open up those windows, and let some vitamin D inside your home.
Bring in some plants.
Indoor plants are not only beautiful and aesthetic, but they can also serve a more practical and healthy purpose in your home. Live plants can serve as natural air filters that can cleanse and purify the air in your home. Some plants effectively absorb toxins and pollutants that come from your furniture, electrical appliances, and carpets. They create healthier and cleaner air for you and your family to breathe. Aside from these, indoor plants make your home a warmer, relaxing, and more welcoming.
Get your bills and subscriptions online.
One of the most practical eco-conscious things that you can do is to enroll in online billing options instead of getting your printed bills through mail. You can also opt to change your magazine subscriptions to digital ones.
When you reduce the amount of mail that you receive, you help the environment in many ways. You reduce the need for more paper. You also reduce your household’s waste.
Look for other ways to reuse goods.
Got clothes and shoes that no longer fit? Do you have bags that collect dust in your closet? Do you have a box filled with your kids’ baby clothes and toys? Instead of tossing them in the trash, look for an organization or a charity group that might need them. You can do the same with books that you will never read again, old linens, and furniture that you no longer use.
If you have empty cans from your kitchen pantry, you can reuse them as pots. Instead of buying expensive jars, you can reuse empty jars from your coffee or other grocery food items for your condiments, cereals, and other kitchen essentials.
Collect rainwater.
Invest in rainwater collection barrels and hire a professional that can help you redirect rainwater from your roof gutters to your collection barrel. You can use the water you collect to water your lawn and plants, instead of using sprinklers to water your garden. If you have a relatively small garden, you can transfer the water to a watering can.
You can also use rainwater to clean your driveway. You can even use pure rainwater to wash your car. Pure rainwater does not contain contaminants and minerals, so it is relatively safe to use on your beloved car.
Use renewable energy.
Installing residential solar panels is a great way to help reduce your dependence on the power supplied by the grid. Solar panels have become more affordable these past years, making them more accessible for residential owners. The upfront costs can be high for some, but the benefits, savings, and rebates you can enjoy are worth it. Most suppliers offer financing options to make your payments lighter for you.
Ditch the plastic.
Say no to extra plastic when you go to the grocery. Bring your reusable bags and help reduce plastic waste. Just make sure to wash your shopping bags to avoid contamination of goods.
Mother Earth can only take so much, and her resources are not forever. No matter how small, collective efforts to achieve mindful and eco-friendly living can go a long way.
